A measuring tape also known as a tape measure is a versatile tool used to measure length. The tape is manufactured with fiberglass, cotton, plastic, and metal ribbon or strip material.
It is possible to measure around corners and curves thanks to its design, making it convenient to carry a tape measure of a great length in one's pocket or toolbox.
Anatomy of a Tape Measure
There are different parts of measuring tape and each has its own importance:
1. Case
The case is used to protect the tape, which makes the tape strong and long-lasting for use. Metal makes the most long-lasting designs, while plastic is more cost-effective.
2. Case Length
The length of the casing is often printed on the back of most tape measures. You can easily add this number to your straight-across dimensions to use it when measuring around corners.
3. Thumb Lock
The thumb lock will hold your tape in place at the exact length users want it to be for as long as they need it. It prevents your measuring tape from automatically retracting back into its container. The thumb lock should be removed to return the tape measure to its carrying case.
4. Blade/Tape
The measuring tape, often known as the blade, is used to get a measurement. The top row of most tapes is made up of imperial units (inches), while the bottom row is made up of metric units (centimeters).
5. Hook
The hook located at the end of the tape has probably been used while measuring a table or other hard surfaces. This metal component is intentionally left loose because the first inch is off by 1/16th of an inch, requiring adjustment to ensure accuracy.
6. Hook Slot
The hole may be for display, but the hook slot serves a practical purpose. It is made to hook onto a nail or screw, which is useful for construction projects.
7. Belt Clip
The belt clip allows the measuring tape to be hooked onto the belt so it is always accessible.
Markings on a Measuring Tape
On a measuring tape, markings are seen in centimeters and inches.
Division Markings in Centimeters
The above image gives the measurements in centimeters and millimeters at the bottom. Since 1 centimeter equals 10 millimeters, there are 10 divisions between each cm. Each small division corresponds to 1 mm. When examining the provided picture, the first little mark after the 5 cm marking indicates a measurement of 51 mm, which is also known as 5.1 cm.
Division Markings in Inches
The dimensions at the top are in inches. The huge digits 1, 2, 3,... marked adjacent to the long markings correspond to full inches. There are small divisions between the numbers that represent fractions of an inch. There is a 'foot' mark after every 12 inches since 12 inches equals 1 foot.
The measuring tape is divided into two parts: top and bottom.
Top Part of the Measuring Tape
The upper part of the measuring tape has fractional inches on it. It means the top portion of the tape can be used to read measurements in feet.
Each part is equivalent to one inch.
Again, this section is divided into 16 parts.
- 2nd black line equivalent 1/8th of an inch
- 4th black line is equivalent to 1/4th of an inch
- 6th black line is equivalent to 3/8th of an inch
- 8th black line is equivalent to 1/2nd of an inch
- 10th black line is equivalent to 5/8th of an inch
- 12th black line is equivalent to 3/4th of an inch
- 14th black line is equivalent to 7/8th of an inch
On the top of the measuring tape are measurements such as 1, 2, 3, and so on, which inscribe Inches
Since 12 inches = one foot
Therefore, marking is done every 12 inches on foot.
12″ = 1 ft
24″ = 2 ft
36″ = 3 ft
48′′ = 4 ft so on
Bottom Part of the Measuring Tape
The bottom of the measuring tape is divided into centimeters. It signifies that the top portion of the tape may display measurements in millimeters, centimeters, and meters.
Additionally, a centimeter is divided into ten equal parts, each measuring one millimeter.
10 mm = 1 cm
100 cm = 1 m
On the bottom part, the smallest division reading that can be written is 1 mm, while the largest division reading that can be written on the tape is 1 m.
Steps to Measure Using a Measuring Tape
The following steps are to be followed to read a measuring tape:
- Set the 0 mark of the tape at the object's one end.
- The tape should be extended to the object's opposite end.
- Find the nearest cm marker and count the number of mm marks to its right. For instance, if eight marks follow the 12 cm marker, the measurement is 12.8 cm.
- The other side of the measuring tape should be read to measure in inches.
Examples
The pencil tip is on the fifth mark after the 15cm mark. Therefore, the pencil is 15.5cm long.
The pencil tip is on the first mark after the 6-inch mark. Therefore, the pencil is 6 1/8th inches long.
FAQs
A measuring tape also known as a tape measure is a versatile tool used to measure length. The tape is manufactured with fiberglass, cotton, plastic, and metal ribbon or strip material. Therefore, it is a flexible ruler known as a tape measure. It is measured in inches and centimeters.
It is possible to measure around corners and curves thanks to its design, making it convenient to carry a tape measure of a great length in one's pocket or toolbox.
The following steps are to be followed to read a measuring tape:
1. Set the 0 mark of the tape at the object's one end.
2. The tape should be extended to the object's opposite end.
3. Find the nearest cm marker and count the number of mm marks to its right. For instance, if eight marks follow the 12 cm marker, the measurement is 12.8 cm.
4. The other side of the measuring tape should be read in order to measure in inches.
There are different parts of measuring tape and each has its own importance:
1. Case
2. Case Length
3. Thumb Lock
4. Blade/Tape
5. Hook
6. Hook Slot
7. Belt Clip
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